The Struggle is Real

Notes: The Struggle is Real

Pastor Levi Lusko

August, 31 2014

Book of Habakkuk

Levi is speaking of Greg on vacation. If you don't sharpen your axe, you will need twice as much energy to chop down a tree.

Levi's telling us about Habakkuk. Habakkuk means someone who embraces, so either a hugged or wrestler. Like how Jacob wrestled with the commands of God.

Habakkuk is a man who embraces the goodness of God even when life is bad. 

He held on to God, which is a good example to us of how to depend on God. 

He lived 600 years before Christ, when the land of Israel split into a northern and southern kingdom. They both got weaker. They both had 19 kings in each area. All 19 Kings were wicked in the north in 732, they were defeated by Syria.

Manasseh was the most wicked and hunted sown the word of God and wood burn it. Josiah, was his grandson and when he was young, he became king, then he set his heart on God. Josiah rebuilt Jerusalem and they also found a copy of the word of God. When Josiah heard it, "it cut him to the quick". 

Josiah learned all the good that the Jewish people were suppose to do.

We are held accountable to what we know. Josiah now knew and was going to do it.

Unguarded strength can be a double weakness. Like Josiah, he would not stay behind  the battle lines and got killed.

His son took over, Jehoiakim and is the only king in the Bible that is documented killing a prophet. The word cut Josiah and Jehoiakim cut the word!

That is the back drop of the book of Habakkuk.

Habakkuk 1:1-11 NKJV

[1] The burden which the prophet Habakkuk saw. [2] O LORD, how long shall I cry, And You will not hear? Even cry out to You, "Violence!" And You will not save. [3] Why do You show me iniquity, And cause me to see trouble? For plundering and violence are before me; There is strife, and contention arises. [4] Therefore the law is powerless, And justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; Therefore perverse judgment proceeds. [5] "Look among the nations and watch- Be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days Which you would not believe, though it were told you. [6] For indeed I am raising up the Chaldeans, A bitter and hasty nation Which marches through the breadth of the earth, To possess dwelling places that are not theirs. [7] They are terrible and dreadful; Their judgment and their dignity proceed from themselves. [8] Their horses also are swifter than leopards, And more fierce than evening wolves. Their chargers charge ahead; Their cavalry comes from afar; They fly as the eagle that hastens to eat. [9] "They all come for violence; Their faces are set like the east wind. They gather captives like sand. [10] They scoff at kings, And princes are scorned by them. They deride every stronghold, For they heap up earthen mounds and seize it. [11] Then his mind changes, and he transgresses; He commits offense, Ascribing this power to his god."

As these things  were going on, Egypt and Syria were growing powerful. It was the Babylonian empire and King Nebuchadnezzar.

Habakkuk 1:12-17 NKJV

[12] Are You not from everlasting, O LORD my God, my Holy One? We shall not die. O LORD, You have appointed them for judgment; O Rock, You have marked them for correction. [13] You are of purer eyes than to behold evil, And cannot look on wickedness. Why do You look on those who deal treacherously, And hold Your tongue when the wicked devours A person more righteous than he? [14] Why do You make men like fish of the sea, Like creeping things that have no ruler over them? [15] They take up all of them with a hook, They catch them in their net, And gather them in their dragnet. Therefore they rejoice and are glad. [16] Therefore they sacrifice to their net, And burn incense to their dragnet; Because by them their share is sumptuous And their food plentiful. [17] Shall they therefore empty their net, And continue to slay nations without pity?

Habakkuk 2:1 NKJV

[1] I will stand my watch And set myself on the rampart, And watch to see what He will say to me, And what I will answer when I am corrected.

The Struggle is Real!

He is not talking about your wifi is down, or your pants are still damp and you need to leave. These people are being killed and living in a nightmare and it appears God isn't doing anything about it.

Their is an endlessness of suffering, it is hard to believe you can right yourself in despair. 

Habakkuk 1:2 NKJV

[2] O LORD, how long shall I cry, And You will not hear? Even cry out to You, "Violence!" And You will not save.

These cry's are translated in two ways, one two sob and second is to scream. God can handle your out rage.

The question is always asked, how can a God of love allow for these horrible things? If you aren't in a position to ask that question at this moment, you will be one day! Get ready.

4 take away truths from these verses.

1. The size of your assignment doesn't determine the scope of your impact.

Habakkuk is not a very well known prophet. He is a minor prophet. That has nothing to do with his assignment.

As our culture, we view prophets like we do big league teams as opposed to minor league teams. Yet they are just as important as all the prophets.

Martin Luther, was very impacted by Habakkuk.

Levi is really impressing on us the importance of all the people in the Bible. He says they are like parts of a watch, all needed to give us the time.

2. There is only one thing worse than not getting what you want.

Someone said, there is only two bad things in this world, not getting what you want and also getting what you want.

Habakkuk 1:5 NKJV

[5] "Look among the nations and watch- Be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days Which you would not believe, though it were told you.

He is saying get excited about finding faith!

Be excited about what is going to happen by God, not just what He has done.

Why do we not know what s going to happen? Because we are NOT GOD! 

We have to trust God!

Things can get worse first.

3. Greater access means greater accountability.

Habakkuk 1:13 NKJV

[13] You are of purer eyes than to behold evil, And cannot look on wickedness. Why do You look on those who deal treacherously, And hold Your tongue when the wicked devours A person more righteous than he?

Habakkuk didn't see that his people were worse then the Babylonians. That is because, the Jewish people knew what to do and didn't do it.

They are being held accountable.

4. Fall back on what you know and rise above it all.

Trials can either make you run to God or run from God.

Habakkuk is asking God why he is letting these things happen. He is trusting God and asking God.

Choose one day you will know as you have known.

Tell God why you are angry and then sit back and listen!

You will rise above it all in the midst of what is happening. Because God is for you, He will not be against you.

Doubt your doubts and believe your beliefs.

Even as bad things happen you should worship God and trust him anyway.

Levi is speaking of Legos and where they came from. They were made in Denmark. He is talking about how many ways Legos can be put together. 

He is using the Legos as illustration of all the different ways you can look at the situation you are in. You can build any thing with all the pieces Jesus has already given you.

Jesus loves you, He died for you and He can save you!

How are you going to build on Gods gifts?

Shipwreck

Notes: Shipwreck

Acts 27:9-44 & 28:1-7

Levi Lusko - August 14, 2014

He started by thanking Greg Laurie for having 25 years of Harvest Crusades. He talks about how much the devil hates that.

He says angels desire to be the ones that get to preach the bible. They are looking at us and how we do it.

He is talking about the Titanic as the most famous shipwreck. That there were two other ships also built around that time and they two were in wrecks within 10 years. Britannic sank and the other one was just injured.

There was one woman on all three of those boats as they were wrecked, Violet Jessup.

2 Corinthians 11:25 NKJV

[25] Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep;

Paul was arrested in Jerusalem and sat in prison for two years waiting for trial. They left him there. So then Paul requested to go to Rome, on the way there he was in a wreck. It fulfilled prophecy that Jesus had said to Paul.

When Jesus makes a promise, you better know He is going to keep that promise.

Levi said, God has the devils credit card, and will do what He wants with it.

Paul was on his way to Rome as a citizen of Rome on the way to the Imperial Court. Roman Centurions were taking him there. Other prisoners were on their way there too, but most likely were already guilty and would be killed by gladiators and other means for Rome's entertainment. Basically they were on their way to die and Paul was there telling them about Jesus.

Acts 27:9-10 NKJV

[9] Now when much time had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, [10] saying, "Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives."

Paul was saying they need to stay in Fairhavens, but that is not what they did.

Acts 27:11-12 NKJV

[11] Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul. [12] And because the harbor was not suitable to winter in, the majority advised to set sail from there also, if by any means they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete opening toward the southwest and northwest, and winter there.

Phoenix was 60 miles further than Fairhavens.

Sailors wanted to go to the bigger city for the winter. He said they wanted to go there to party. They were the loudest voices.

The loudest voice seems to be wrong most if the time. We all deal with that too!

Acts 27:13 NKJV

[13] When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their desire, putting out to sea, they sailed close by Crete.

Paul thought they might be safe. Like so many people think when they toy with sin.

Acts 27:14-15 NKJV

[14] But not long after, a tempestuous head wind arose, called Euroclydon. [15] So when the ship was caught, and could not head into the wind, we let her drive.

Proverbs 14:12 NKJV

[12] There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.

Acts 27:15-17 NKJV

[15] So when the ship was caught, and could not head into the wind, we let her drive. [16] And running under the shelter of an island called Clauda, we secured the skiff with difficulty. [17] When they had taken it on board, they used cables to undergird the ship; and fearing lest they should run aground on the Syrtis Sands, they struck sail and so were driven.

The Syrtis Sands was nicknamed the boat graveyard. They were tying the ship together hoping to keep it from falling part.

Acts 27:18-19 NKJV

[18] And because we were exceedingly tempest-tossed, the next day they lightened the ship. [19] On the third day we threw the ship's tackle overboard with our own hands.

This passage says basically that in a great storm, money does not matter. Also, you can always go faster and go farther if you are lighter!

What is holding you back and slowing you down? Shed those unnecessary things.

Complexity is a weakness not a strength.

Acts 27:20 NKJV

[20] Now when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest beat on us, all hope that we would be saved was finally given up.

Levi says it's a bad thing when am author of the bible writes the above passage. But, it tells us even strong men I. The bible have very bad days.

Acts 27:21-22 NKJV

[21] But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, "Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss. [22] And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.

Acts 27:23-26 NKJV

[23] For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, [24] saying, 'Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.' [25] Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me. [26] However, we must run aground on a certain island."

It was just getting worse and worse as the story goes.

Acts 27:27-29 NKJV

[27] Now when the fourteenth night had come, as we were driven up and down in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors sensed that they were drawing near some land. [28] And they took soundings and found it to be twenty fathoms; and when they had gone a little farther, they took soundings again and found it to be fifteen fathoms. [29] Then, fearing lest we should run aground on the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern, and prayed for day to come.

They were hoping they didn't hit the rocks, but the sailors didn't think they would survive.

Acts 27:30 NKJV

[30] And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, when they had let down the skiff into the sea, under pretense of putting out anchors from the prow,

This is now about as bad as it can get.

Acts 27:31 NKJV

[31] Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, "Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved."

This is showing that salvation is ultra-specific. They all had to be saved or none would be saved.

Acts 27:32-44 NKJV

[32] Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the skiff and let it fall off. [33] And as day was about to dawn, Paul implored them all to take food, saying, "Today is the fourteenth day you have waited and continued without food, and eaten nothing. [34] Therefore I urge you to take nourishment, for this is for your survival, since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you." [35] And when he had said these things, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all; and when he had broken it he began to eat. [36] Then they were all encouraged, and also took food themselves. [37] And in all we were two hundred and seventy-six persons on the ship. [38] So when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship and threw out the wheat into the sea. [39] When it was day, they did not recognize the land; but they observed a bay with a beach, onto which they planned to run the ship if possible. [40] And they let go the anchors and left them in the sea, meanwhile loosing the rudder ropes; and they hoisted the mainsail to the wind and made for shore. [41] But striking a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the prow stuck fast and remained immovable, but the stern was being broken up by the violence of the waves. [42] And the soldiers' plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim away and escape. [43] But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to land, [44] and the rest, some on boards and some on parts of the ship. And so it was that they all escaped safely to land.

Conclusions from this story:

1. Leadership isn't a title but a lifestyle.

By the end Paul was in charge.

Crisis doesn't make a person but crisis will show what a person is made of.

Leaders lead, they don't wait till they are asked. Paul led by example. Paul didn't have a title but honored those that did.

2. God wants you to live in the now.

Acts 27:21-22 NKJV

[21] But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, "Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss. [22] And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.

Don't be crippled by the mistakes of the past. Trust it to God.

3. You can stay up even if the ship goes down.

Acts 27:44 NKJV

[44] and the rest, some on boards and some on parts of the ship. And so it was that they all escaped safely to land.

You have to realize who you are and not hold on to the sinking boat.

Acts 27:23 NKJV

[23] For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve,

If you belong to God then you don't belong to your things.

4. Your presence can bring storms to people or you can bring people through the storms.

Do you bring a blessing or a storm to where you go?

Acts 28:1-7 NKJV

[1] Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta. [2] And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold. [3] But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. [4] So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, "No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live." [5] But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. [6] However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god. [7] In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days.

This passage is proof that you should not live your life by public opinion.

5. When you are bit building a fire then shake it off and build it even brighter.

Paul took the snake that bit him and caused it to be fuel for his fire!

If Jesus is in your boat you live, if Jesus is not in your boat then you will die.

Controlled Burn

Notes: Controlled Burn

April 3, 2014 Pastor Levi Lusko 

When you get up high you can always see more. The space station gets to see 17 sun rises a day and we only see one.

If we want to see what God sees then we need to get up high and see from his perspective c

2 chronicles 6 and Acts 2

King David wanted to build God a home. God really didn't care, God told David that his son Solomon would actually build it for Him. So David prepared things for Solomon.

2 Chronicles 6:41-42 NIrV

[41] "Lord God, rise up and come to your resting place. Come in together with the ark. It's the sign of your power. Lord God, may your priests put on salvation as if it were their clothes. May your faithful people be glad because you are so good. [42] Lord God, don't turn your back on your anointed king. Remember the great love you promised to your servant David."

2 Chronicles 7:1-4 NIrV

[1] Solomon finished praying. Then fire came down from heaven. It burned up the burnt offering and the sacrifices. The glory of the Lord filled the temple. [2] The priests couldn't enter the temple of the Lord. His glory filled it. [3] All of the people of Israel saw the fire coming down. They saw the glory of the Lord above the temple. So they got down on their knees in the courtyard with their faces toward the ground. They worshiped the Lord. They gave thanks to him. They said, "He is good. His faithful love continues forever." [4] Then the king and all of the people offered sacrifices to the Lord.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NKJV

[19] Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? [20] For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.

Romans 8:9 NKJV

[9] But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.

John the Baptist speaks of Jesus and how important it is in all 4 gospels.

Acts 2:1-6 NKJV

[1] When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. [2] And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. [3] Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. [4] And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. [5] And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. [6] And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language.

"If Gods going to live somewhere He will always fill the house with warmth"

5 things he would like us to take from tonight's message.

1. To fight fire we must be on fire.

In nature fires happen often but they are small fires, they sort of purge the system. We don't let that happen any more and that is why we have mega fires.

Many Environmentalist believe controlled burns are the way to stop the mega fires.

Suicide is the number 3 killer if kids now.

Our only hope to help the hurting is Jesus bring hope and healing and help.

We can't plan for salvation we have to trust God for it.

2. The devil can't burn what's already burning.

Hot Shot fire fighters, "bring the black to the fire." It can burn what's already burned.

The devil hates you, he wants to burn you spiritually.

We have to light ourselves on fire with God and that keeps the devil away.

What ever God starts the devil opposes.

When you are in fire from God, trials can't burn you, sins can't stick to you.

Acts 4:31 NKJV

[31] And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

3. Neglect is abuse too.

The Holy Spirit should not be abused, it should not be blamed for bad things people do. Neglect is abuse also.

The Holy Spirit can be looked at as weird, but lots of the things in the Bible are weird. From God saying let there be light, to us being saved by a crucified carpenter, yet we believe.

4. You don't have to be this tall to ride.

Acts 2:39 NKJV

[39] For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call."

The only prerequisite to being saved is to have bowed our knees to The Lord Jesus Christ.

There is no other requirement.

Young people are not the church of tomorrow, they are the church of right now. They can take their place and change the world.

5. The problem isn't the supply, but the demand.

Luke 11:11-13 NKJV

[11] If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? [12] Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? [13] If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"

If we have not it is because we ask not. Or we ask amiss.

How many times have you not listened to the Holy Spirit speaking to you and woke up in the morning feeling good about what you did?